November is COPD Awareness Month, and if you use CPAP therapy or care for someone who does, this is an important time to pause and learn more. Why? Because there’s a strong connection between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Many CPAP users are living with both conditions, a combination known as Overlap Syndrome.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, are supporting a loved one, or are noticing symptoms like shortness of breath or constant fatigue, understanding how these conditions interact can help you take better care of your health and improve your sleep.

In this post, we’ll Cover:

What Is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disease that makes it harder to breathe over time. It typically includes chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the airways, often with mucus buildup) and emphysema (damage to the air sacs in the lungs, reducing oxygen exchange), both of which interfere with airflow in and out of the lungs.

Common COPD Symptoms:

  • Persistent cough (often with mucus)
  • Shortness of breath, especially during activity
  • Wheezing or chest tightness
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Ongoing fatigue or low energy

COPD is most often caused by long-term exposure to lung irritants, especially cigarette smoke, but also air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust. Genetics can also play a role, particularly in cases of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a rare inherited form of COPD.

The Link Between COPD and Sleep Apnea

COPD and sleep apnea are two of the most common chronic respiratory conditions, and many people have both. When this happens, it’s called Overlap Syndrome. Experts estimate that 10-15% of people with COPD also have sleep apnea, and the combination can be more dangerous than either condition alone.

Shared Risk Factors:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Age over 40
  • Inflammation in the airways
  • Poor sleep or low oxygen at night

Why Overlap Matters:

When COPD and OSA occur together, the effects can stack up:

  • More frequent oxygen drops during sleep
  • Greater risk of heart problems
  • Worsened daytime fatigue
  • More frequent hospitalizations
  • Greater risk of respiratory failure

Because both conditions impact your oxygen levels in different ways, Overlap Syndrome requires proactive care, and CPAP therapy is a key part of that.

Related: The Overlooked Link: How Sleep Apnea Impacts Your Mental Health

How CPAP Therapy Helps With COPD and Sleep Apnea

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is the most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and research shows it can also benefit people with COPD, especially when both conditions are present.

CPAP Benefits for People With COPD and OSA:

  • Helps maintain open airways during sleep
  • Improves oxygen levels overnight
  • Reduces sleep disruptions and awakenings
  • May lower the risk of COPD flare-ups or hospitalizations
  • Improves heart health by stabilizing oxygen and blood pressure
  • Increases energy levels and sleep quality

Some studies have even found that CPAP can increase inspiratory capacity in patients with stable COPD and reduce the need for intubation during respiratory failure. It acts as a pneumatic “splint,” keeping airways open and reducing the strain on the lungs.

CPAP Tips for Those With COPD:

  • Use a humidifier to reduce dryness or irritation
  • Consider a full-face mask if you breathe through your mouth
  • Ask your provider if you need different pressure settings
  • Track your AHI and oxygen levels through your CPAP machine or app

At NuCara Home Medical, we can help you find the right mask, machine, and settings to keep you breathing comfortably, no matter how complex your condition is.

Read More: Skipping CPAP Therapy? Here's What Can Happen

Signs It’s Time to Ask Your Doctor About COPD

If you’re using CPAP and still struggling with breathing or fatigue, it may be time to ask your doctor about COPD. Early diagnosis can lead to better management and improved quality of life.

Here are signs you should talk to your doctor about COPD:

  • Frequent coughing that brings up mucus
  • Trouble breathing during everyday tasks
  • Wheezing or tightness in your chest
  • Recurring lung infections (like bronchitis or pneumonia)
  • Swelling in the ankles or legs
  • Waking up gasping for air or feeling unrested
  • Fatigue that isn’t improving with CPAP

These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for aging or poor sleep, but they could signal something more serious. If you’re concerned, ask your provider about a spirometry test, which measures how well your lungs are working and can help diagnose COPD.

Related Reading: Your Guide to Starting CPAP Therapy in 2026

Why COPD Awareness Month Matters

COPD affects more than 16 million Americans, and millions more may be undiagnosed. Raising awareness helps people recognize symptoms earlier, get treatment sooner, and improve their quality of life.

How You Can Take Action:

NuCara Home Medical is proud to support COPD Awareness Month and help patients navigate the challenges of respiratory health. Need help reordering your CPAP supplies or troubleshooting issues that are keeping you from a good night’s sleep?

Contact NuCara for CPAP Help Today

Need CPAP Help or Supplies? We’re Here for You

If you’re managing sleep apnea, COPD, or both, NuCara Home Medical is your trusted resource for:

  • CPAP machines, masks, and humidifiers
  • Filters and replacement supplies
  • Expert respiratory support and fittings
  • Education, guidance, and compassionate care

Contact us today or visit our site to explore our products and services. Let’s work together to help you breathe easier and sleep better.